Phil Palios, a Microsoft temporary worker, led a labor protest against the company’s notice that it would cut staffing agencies’ fees by 10 percent. But by last Thursday, he had given up his rally and agreed to the pay cut.

“I think I let my emotions take over,” Palios said. “I wasn’t very objective. I think it would have been better not to make such a big deal out of it.”

Some of the temporary staffing agencies are absorbing the cutback internally. While others, including Volt Services Group — the one that placed Palios — told employees that they will need to agree to wage cuts of up to 10 percent or lose their jobs. Employees had to agree to the contract change by March 13.

Palios, 23, is serving his third assignment as a software design engineer in Test at Microsoft. He has two months left on his current contract with Volt. Last Thursday he sent a letter to “members of the press and concerned parties” explaining his sudden change of mind.

“As I became an important figure in this issue I quickly saw myself becoming more of a labor organizer and having less focus on software development. After my emotions calmed down and I had more time to think, I realized I had begun walking down a path that was not helping me achieve my goals in life. …” Palios wrote. “I am lucky to be in my current situation, even with a pay cut.”

Bill Christianson is editor of the Redmond Reporter. He can be reached at 425.867.0353, ext. 5050 or bchristianson@reporternewspapers.com